While one of the smallest sectors in the UK, the private health care and voluntary sector is one of the most stable, supported as it is by the NHS. Consequently, the sector responds significantly to changes in the NHS. Furthermore, UK public healthcare is undergoing a slow and painful evolution from operation by the state to a system that in essence is one of state funding of quasi-private and private service delivery. Once the crown jewel of the British welfare state, its delivery is found wanting against continental European models that have no concept of waiting lists and are based on social insurance schemes which offer genuine choice provided through public and private alternatives. They have a history of better funding and, by many measures, offer better health outcomes. This spells huge potential for growth in the private healthcare and voluntary sector.